Grade 1 Mathematics

Grade 3 Science and Technology

In Grade 3 Science and Technology, our students further their knowledge of the variety of plants around them. They will investigate the composition of soil and its position as an essential source of life. Students will learn about structures and the important distinction between the strength and stability of a structure. In addition, students will investigate the two basic types of forces that cause movement: contact forces and non-contact forces. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

Curriculum Information: Science and Technology (2022)

Developed by: D2L

Development Date: 2021 (Revised 2022)

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

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Note: The new Science and Technology curriculum includes a coding component. As we develop these resources, the coding lessons will be integrated into the lessons after students begin. However, as the coding content requires the knowledge and skills learned in the other units, students will complete the current content first, and will be prepared when the coding content is implemented.

Course Outline

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.

Growth and Changes in Plants

In the Growth and Changes in Plants unit, students will learn about plants. They will investigate various plants and their parts. They will describe the basic needs of plants and identify major parts of plants. These parts will change when plants grow. They will explore how plants need energy to grow and adapt. They will also learn where plants get this energy and how plants and animals depend on each other. Finally, students will learn how plants are important for humans. They will assess the impact human activities have on plants.

Strong and Stable Structures

In the Strong and Stable Structures unit, students will learn about structures and forces. They will explore how structures support and hold a load. They will investigate what materials can help make a structure stable and strong. In the investigations, students will use different materials and techniques to support a load. Then, they will explore how human-built structures impact the environment.

Forces Causing Movement

In the Forces Causing Movement unit, students will learn about forces and devices that create movement. They will identify the types of forces and how they can cause movement. They will investigate how forces cause movement. This movement can be exerted through direct contact or from a distance. Students will assess which forces are used in daily life, as well as investigate the impact of safety devices. Finally, they will assess the effects of forces in nature.

Soils in the Environment

In the Soils in the Environment unit, students will learn about soil types. They will explore where to find different types of soils and their components. They will learn how soil components can provide a variety of nutrients and minerals for living things. They will also learn that soil needs both living and non-living things to remain healthy. They will investigate composting. Students will also assess the impacts of soil on society and the environment.

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

  • A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
  • A device to record audio
  • A printer
  • A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
  • Various household items to complete offline activities
  • Masking tape, liquid white glue, craft sticks, paper towels, paper, scissors, utensils, drinking straws, paper clips

Through a balance of hands-on activities and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of scientific concepts and develop inquiry, problem-solving, critical, creative thinking, and communication skills. The course utilizes a combination of technology and offline activities, providing opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways and engage multiple learning styles. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, characters, videos, storybooks, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. These activities also build a foundation of scientific investigation, exploration, observation, and experimentation that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a teacher to support young students with moving through the content. The teacher will be involved in facilitating technical aspects of the course (e.g. printing and scanning printable activities) and participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

Have a question about Grade 3 Science and Technology? Contact us!